Decision Time: Alderson, Mets Finish 2nd Interviews

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — After completing second interviews with four finalists, the New York Mets plan to select their next manager no later than Monday.

Wally Backman and Terry Collins met Thursday with chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon, new general manager Sandy Alderson and his three assistants, a day after Bob Melvin and Chip Hale came for their sessions at the hotel where major league owners and GMs were meeting.

“It’s not just a question of who we are. It’s a question of who we want to be as an organization,” Alderson said. “It was interesting for us to find out whether that vision was shared by others. And in some cases, it might have been confirmed. In some cases, it might have caused us to rethink what we had ourselves imagined.”

Mets management will hold at least one telephone conference call before deciding. The memorial service Saturday for Alderson’s father, who died last weekend, means a decision won’t be made before Sunday.

“I think it’s prudent that we take a little bit of time to think about it,” Alderson said.

David Wright and other senior Mets players are not being sounded out.

“I’m not a big believer in consulting players,” Alderson said. “It really can be a compromising players. I think that we’ve tried to anticipate how the players will respond.”

Assistant GM John Ricco, vice president of player development and scouting Paul DePodesta, and special assistant J.P. Ricciardi also attended the interviews.

All four finalists worked for the Mets organization this year, and the three who fall short may stay with the team. Alderson wants to make sure they feel valued.

“It’s a potential concern. But I think it’s incumbent upon us to make sure that those issues don’t arise,” he said. “People are going to be disappointed.”